Marble bust of the Emperor of Caligula

The subject is a marble bust of Caligula, a Roman emperor known for his tumultuous reign. The photograph captures the sculpture's details, presenting it as a work of art in its own right.

Laffon's photograph showcases her skill in capturing the texture and detail of the marble bust. The image likely employed techniques common during the early days of photography, reflecting the artistic and technical capabilities of the time.

The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired this photograph as part of a series of 500 works by Laffon in 1864, purchased through the agent Monsieur E. Cappe. The series documented objects from the Campana Collection in the Musée Napoléon III, now housed in the Louvre.